The 2025 BMW M5 Touring: A Game-Changing Addition to the US Market
After years of anticipation, Audi finally brought its RS 6 Avant wagon to the United States, defying conventional wisdom that wagons have no place on American roads. The response from car enthusiasts was overwhelmingly positive, and it seems that the demand for wagons is stronger than ever. BMW has taken notice and is now ready to answer the call with its 2025 BMW M5 Touring, which will be the first M5 wagon to be sold in the United States fresh from the factory.
This isn’t the first time BMW has ventured into the wagon territory. The second generation of the M5 Touring, released in 1992, and the fourth generation, released in 2007, also had official long-roof versions. However, the 2025 M5 Touring is set to make a lasting impact with its powerful plug-in hybrid powertrain that generates a remarkable 717 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque. This surpasses the RS 6 Avant by 96 horsepower and 111 pound-feet of torque, as well as the AMG E 63 S Wagon, which falls behind by 114 horsepower and 111 pound-feet of torque.
Under the hood, the M5 Touring features a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that produces 557 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. Additionally, an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission delivers an extra 194 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. The standard all-wheel drive ensures optimal performance, and the wagon can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, only a tenth of a second slower than its sedan counterpart.
In terms of electric range, the M5 Touring’s impressive 14.8-kilowatt-hour battery provides approximately 25 miles, surpassing the meager electric range offered by Mercedes-AMG’s E Performance plug-ins. The wagon also retains the sedan’s dynamic package, including a 50:50 weight distribution, with additional underfloor bracing elements and stiffening elements to accommodate the larger cargo compartment.
Speaking of cargo, the M5 Touring boasts a spacious 17.7 cubic feet of cargo area, although this measurement only accounts for the space behind the rear seatbacks. When the rear seatbacks are folded down, the total capacity extends to 57.6 cubic feet, comparable to other wagons in its class. The wagon also offers a 40:20:40-split-folding rear seatback with a pass-through in the middle section for larger items, along with a power, handsfree liftgate.
One standout feature exclusive to the M5 Touring is the Sky Lounge Panoramic Roof, which functions as a structural module and extends from behind the windscreen to the rear of the vehicle. While it doesn’t open, it does come with a power roller blind for added convenience. It remains unclear whether alternative roof options, such as metal or carbon fiber, will be available.
Set to go on sale later this year, the 2025 BMW M5 Touring will be priced starting at $122,675, including destination fees. This actually puts it at a lower price point than the RS 6 Avant, making it an appealing choice for consumers who seek power, performance, and versatility in a wagon.
While the M5 Touring marks a significant milestone for BMW enthusiasts in the United States, there is still speculation about whether the company will bring its all-electric sibling, the BMW i5 Touring, to the American market. Only time will tell if BMW takes the leap, but one thing is for certain: the arrival of the M5 Touring signals a shift in the US automotive landscape, with wagons proving that they have a place among American consumers who crave performance and practicality in equal measure.